Hadith #8430

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

بِاكْتِسابِ الفَضائِلِ يُكْبَتُ المُعادي۔

This can be translated as,

Through the gaining of merits, the enemy is subdued.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (iktisab) "اكْتِسَاب" in the Hadith refers to the act of acquiring or gaining something. In this context, it signifies the acquisition of virtues, good deeds, and noble qualities. The word (al-fada'il) "الفَضَائِلِ" refers to virtues, excellences, or merits. It encompasses all the good deeds and qualities that a person can possess.

To understand the significance of gaining merits in subduing the enemy, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:60),

And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy and others besides them whom you do not know [but] whom Allah knows.

This verse highlights the importance of being prepared and equipped to face the enemy. By acquiring virtues and good deeds, we strengthen ourselves spiritually and morally, enabling us to face any challenges that come our way.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:96), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Repel, by [means of] what is best, [their] evil.

This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to evil with goodness and righteousness. When we acquire virtues and good deeds, we are better equipped to respond to the negativity and hostility of our enemies with kindness, patience, and forgiveness. Our ability to respond in this manner not only subdues the enemy but also serves as a means of winning their hearts and minds.

The consequences of gaining merits are far-reaching. By acquiring virtues and good deeds, we not only strengthen ourselves individually but also contribute to the betterment of society. Our positive actions and noble qualities have a ripple effect, inspiring others to follow suit. This leads to the creation of a virtuous cycle, where the enemy is subdued not only through our personal efforts but also through the collective efforts of a virtuous community.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the power of gaining merits in subduing the enemy. By acquiring virtues and good deeds, we become spiritually fortified, enabling us to face the challenges posed by our adversaries. Our ability to respond to evil with goodness not only subdues the enemy but also serves as a means of transforming their hearts and minds. The consequences of gaining merits extend beyond the individual, positively impacting society as a whole.

As Muslims, we should strive to acquire virtues and good deeds in order to subdue our enemies. We should focus on developing qualities such as patience, forgiveness, humility, and compassion. By doing so, we not only strengthen ourselves but also contribute to the establishment of a just and harmonious society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to acquire virtues and subdue our enemies through our noble actions.